Long-distance bus companies in Kenya have begun implementing fare hikes, just days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced significant increases in fuel prices.

• Fare adjustments follow a fuel price review by EPRA, with super petrol up by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre.
• Transline Classic is among the first companies to announce revised fares, with routes like Nairobi-Upcountry now costing Ksh1,700.
• These fare increases, attributed to rising operational and maintenance costs, are expected to impact thousands of travelers, particularly during upcoming holiday periods.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is urgently calling for a review of fuel taxes and levies, especially on diesel, due to soaring prices that threaten business sustainability and increase the cost of living.

• Diesel prices in Nairobi surged by Sh46.29 to Sh242.92 per litre, a 23.5% increase, while petrol rose by Sh16.65 to Sh214.25.
• Key organization involved: KNCCI, led by President Dr Erick Rutto.
• KNCCI also highlighted that domestic cost build-ups are amplifying the impact of global crude oil price hikes, worsening the burden on consumers and businesses.

The Kenyan Shilling experienced a marginal depreciation against the U.S. Dollar and the Euro during the week ending May 15, influenced by global energy shocks and rising international crude oil prices.

• The shilling closed the week at Ksh129.33 per U.S. Dollar, down from Ksh129.19 a week prior.
• The Central Bank of Kenya reported these shifts in its latest Weekly Bulletin.
• A significant factor contributing to the currency's slide is the global conflict impacting the Middle East, which has driven Murban crude oil prices up to USD 94.84 per barrel.

Former Chief Justice and presidential candidate David Maraga has stated that Kenya could have avoided its current fuel crisis through better resource management and sustainable investments.

• Maraga attributed the crisis to poor resource management and overreliance on imported energy, which exposes Kenyans to economic hardships.
• The key person involved is David Maraga, a former Chief Justice and presidential candidate.
• A notable detail is that neighboring countries like Rwanda have lower fuel prices despite global market shocks, suggesting internal management issues in Kenya.

Transport operators across Kenya are demanding the immediate disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and are threatening a nationwide strike starting Monday due to unsustainable fuel price increases.

• The strike, organized by The Transport Alliance, encompasses various fuel-dependent sectors including matatus, boda bodas, and cargo transporters.
• Operators cite a recent fuel price hike where Super Petrol now exceeds KSh214 per litre and diesel is over KSh240 per litre in Nairobi.
• Key demands include EPRA's dissolution, withdrawal of the latest price increase, and liberalization of fuel pricing.